Book Review: "The Name of the Star" by Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson's "The Name of the Star" is a funny, scary, suspenseful, inventive read.

Rory, a teenager from Louisiana, heads to England with her parents for her last year of high school. While her parents are teaching at a University in Bristol, Rory settles in at a boarding school in London.

Unfortunately for Rory, she's ill-prepared for London's weather, but she's even less prepared when a killer begins striking very near the school. Even worse, the killer is duplicating the 1888 murders of Jack the Ripper.

All of London is terrified by the string of grisly murders, but Rory thinks she's safe at school. Until she sees a strange man on campus. A man her roommate Jazza does not see - even though Jazza is only feet from him.

What is going on? Is he the killer? Why is Rory the only one who saw him?

Johnson has crafted a wonderful story with a memorably witty heroine. Rory is smart and funny and brave. And that's a good thing, because when this book gets scary, it will leave you breathless.

The ending leaves the door open for sequels. I can't wait for the next one!

reviewed by Sara, children's coordinator